Australian Adventurehttp://australianadventure.net
Mon, 30 Oct 2017 10:15:54 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.8.1Kangaroo Islandhttp://australianadventure.net/blog/2017/10/26/kangaroo-island/
http://australianadventure.net/blog/2017/10/26/kangaroo-island/#respondThu, 26 Oct 2017 11:47:47 +0000http://australianadventure.net/?p=800When planning what things to do on Kangaroo Island we totally underestimated how big this island was – It’s huge! It’s Australia’s third largest island after Tassie and Melville Island, NT. Over one-third of the island is a protected nature reserve which makes it a great destination to experience an abundance of native Australian Wildlife in its natural habitat. We [...]

When planning what things to do on Kangaroo Island we totally underestimated how big this island was – It’s huge! It’s Australia’s third largest island after Tassie and Melville Island, NT. Over one-third of the island is a protected nature reserve which makes it a great destination to experience an abundance of native Australian Wildlife in its natural habitat.

We managed to cover most of the major attractions in 24 hours. If we’d planned a little better, we would have stayed for at least 3 days. There is easily enough to do and see for a month long visit, exploring the many hidden gems and over 500km’s of spectacular coastline.

A number of airstrips on the island welcome visitors, we chose to land at Kingscote which is the main airport used by the airlines. Car Hire companies operate from here, so it was easy to grab a car and head on our way.

Car is the only way to get around if you want to explore everything on offer. Hire Cars are quite expensive, (cost us around $160AUD for 1 day) which is why our stay was so short. If you are hiring a car, check with the hire company to make sure it can be taken on dirt roads, or it will restrict many of the places you can visit. Most of the main roads are sealed, but there are many unsealed roads across the island. Where possible avoid driving from dusk to dawn as lots of animals are out at night. You will likely damage your car and kill the animals.

Johnson Airstrip, located near American River, is another airstrip well worth visiting. Being on private property it is in a lovely location offering Bed and Breakfast for around $200 per night per couple. They have a car available for their visiting guests, so it also makes a great base for exploring the island.

Our tips when visiting Kangaroo Island:

Check out Stokes Bay and maze your way through the rocks to the hidden beach.

November to February is the best time to visit to enjoy the warmer weather.

Things to do on Kangaroo Island

The list of things to do on Kangaroo Island is endless. Kangaroo Island tourism information has it well covered. www.tourkangarooisland.com.au. Below are the attractions we enjoyed during our stay.

Seal Bay

If your keen on experiencing a rare colony of wild Australian Sea Lions’, Seal Bay is the place to do it. You have to pay to access the park, but it includes a guided tour among the Sea Lion. If you don’t want to pay to see the seals, check out the Visitor’s Center at the entrance to the park. Acess to the Visitor’s Center is free and it has lots of interesting things to see and learn about the Sea Lions.

Little Sahara

Little Sahara is an area of Sand Dunes covering approximately 2 square kilometers. The naturally occurring dunes are the result of Coastal Blowout, which normally occurs closer to the sea. Take a walk around the dunes or if you’re after a little more adrenaline pumping activity, hire a sand toboggan from the kiosk. There is a dune just the right size for any skill or fitness level, and it’s a lot of fun for all ages.

Where: South Coast Road, Kangaroo IslandInfo: Kangaroo Outdoor ActionTips: It is free to visit the sand dunes, but hiring a toboggan is fairly expensive. One hour hire should be long enough – you’re doing well if you can last that long up and down the dunes!

Vivonne Bay

Voted one of Australia’s top beaches because of it’s crystal clear water and white sandy beaches. Centrally located to many of the Islands top attractions, it’s a handy location to stay when visiting the south-west part of the island. Also, it’s a great spot for fishing, swimming & walking.

Where: Off South Coast RoadTips: The Campground at Vivonne Bay is one of the more popular camping grounds on the island. You cannot book in advance, it’s first come, first serve basis.Info:Camping Information

Remarkable Rocks

Yep, they are just some random rocks that people come from all over the world to see! They look pretty cool, but they are just rocks. The lookout over the ocean is stunning and it’s a great place for a photo opportunity.

Where: Flinders Chase National ParkTip: You need to buy a pass to access Flinders Chase National Park. You can pay upon arrival, but they prefer you pre-purchase your pass online.Info:Flinders Chase National Park

Admirals Arch

Admirals Arch is another impressive rock formation in the Flinders Chase National Park. If you haven’t seen a Seal so far on Kangaroo Island, you are guaranteed to see (and smell) them here.

Where: Flinders Chase National ParkTips: The walk on the way to the Admirals Arch is nearly as impressive as the destination. Make sure you are aware of the park opening hours so you don’t get locked in or out.Info:Flinders Chase National Park

Stokes Bay

A picture perfect beach with crystal clear water and white sandy beaches. A friendly local suggested we visit here. When we arrive we thought it was nothing special, until we saw a sign hidden in some rocks reading ‘beach’. We followed it through a maze of boulders and came out to this amazing white sandy private beach. It took us both by surprise!

Where: Stokes Bay Road, on the Northern side of the Island.Tips: The main beach is nothing special. Find the sign on the rocks pointing you to the hidden beach, and make sure you remember how to get back.

Artisans & Island Products

Across the island, you find artists, fine food experiences and island produce. Some of these include:

This information should only be used as a guide. This information is accurate at time of post and is subject to change, and may contain errors. Please always use official documentation for planning your flight.

The two best airstrips on Kangaroo Island is the main public Kingscote Airport, and a privately owned stip near American River known as Johnson Airstrip. We chose to land at Kingscote Airstrip.

Kingscote Airstrip

01/19 Bitumen 1402m long; 15/33 Bitumen 1384m long; 06/24 Unsealed

Fuel

No Fuel Available.

Landing Fee's

Landing Fee’s Apply

Facilities

There is a terminal with access to public toilets food and drink and car hire.

Transport

Various car hire companies operate from this airport. The best way to get around is by car.

Operator

Kangaroo Island Council. Permission is not required to land.

There is no shortage of accommodation options all over the island. If you are planning to camp at the council operated campgrounds be aware that you cannot book in advance, it is first come, first served. Allow enough time to find alternative accomodation if the campground you have chosen is full.

Kingscote has a large supermarket that has everything you need. If you prefer eating out there are many restaurants and Cafes in the Kingscote and Penshaw townships. A sprinkling of Resturants & Cafe’s can be found right across the island, book in advance if you don’t want to be caught out.

Have you visited Kangaroo Island?
Leave a comment below if there is something you recommend doing or seeing on Kangaroo Island.

]]>http://australianadventure.net/blog/2017/10/26/kangaroo-island/feed/0Murray Bridgehttp://australianadventure.net/blog/2017/08/05/murray-bridge/
http://australianadventure.net/blog/2017/08/05/murray-bridge/#respondSat, 05 Aug 2017 12:26:26 +0000http://australianadventure.net/?p=753Murray Bridge was never on our list of ‘must see’ travel destinations. Our relatives had pre-planned a family House Boat Cruise on the Murray River, so a stop at Murray Bridge was added to the itinerary. As it turns out this destination goes on our list of favorites and it’s one place we’d definitely like to return to someday. While [...]

Murray Bridge was never on our list of ‘must see’ travel destinations. Our relatives had pre-planned a family House Boat Cruise on the Murray River, so a stop at Murray Bridge was added to the itinerary. As it turns out this destination goes on our list of favorites and it’s one place we’d definitely like to return to someday.

While there is not a lot on offer in the quaint riverside villages, our reason for loving this destination is that it connects us to the Murray River. Cruising this historically significant, picturesque river is a quintessential Australian experience that should be on every traveler’s bucket list.

The best part is how accessible it is by small plane. Airport transfers are available from the Murray Bridge Aerodrome with various tour operators.

Murray River Houseboat

There are a number tour operators in Mannum and Murray Bridge offering a range of boating experiences. We chose to hire a houseboat with Unforgettable Houseboats.

The Unforgettable fleet come in a range of sizes and styles to suit your group size and budget. We were more than impressed with the standard of their houseboats and their exceptional customer service, we couldn’t recommend them more highly. We hired Houseboat 11 which allowed plenty of space for the 12 passengers we had onboard.

The advantage of hiring a houseboat is that you can travel at your own pace and go where you want to go. No boat license or experience is required, as long as you have a drivers license you can hire a houseboat.

The most popular activities on the Murray include fishing, water skiing, exploring some of the xxx by canoe, bushwalking and relaxing while enjoying the animal and birdlife.

This information should only be used as a guide. This information is accurate at the time of post and is subject to change, and may contain errors. Please always use official documentation for planning your flight.

The Murray Bridge Airfield (Pallamana Aerodrome) is located approximately 8km’s from Murray Bridge and 25km’s from Mannum.

Murray Bridge Aerodrome

01/19 gravel 1,065M; 09/27 grass 910M

Fuel

AVGAS is not available for purchase

Landing Fee's

No Landing Fee’s Apply

Facilities

Toilets are available behind the club house.

Transport

If you are flying to Murray Bridge to connect with a Houseboat or Paddle Boat, speak to your tour operator about airport transfers. Taxis operate out of Murray Bridge. They can be booked on (08) 8531 0555. Car hire is also offered through the local flying school: Phone: 08 8532 5537 or see their website

Operator

The aerodrome is operated by the flying club. Permission is required to land. Ph: 0408 841 066

Murray Bridge offers major supermarkets, a good range of specialty stores, and a small selection of take-away food outlets, and restaurants.
Mannum has a reasonable selection of dining options, as well as an IGA supermarket.

If you are hiring a houseboat there is no need to bring any food with you! All of the shops are accessible from the waterfront in Mannum. You can park your boat right near the supermarket and fill it with just about everything you could want. After leaving Mannum there is not very much available from the other small riverside towns, but you will be able to pick up the basics like milk and bread.

If cooking isn’t your thing, you can always hire a chef!

Have you visited Murray Bridge?
Let us know what things you enjoy doing on the Murray River.

]]>http://australianadventure.net/blog/2017/08/05/murray-bridge/feed/0Episode 10: Unexpected Flight Homehttp://australianadventure.net/blog/2017/04/28/episode-10-unexpected-flight-home/
http://australianadventure.net/blog/2017/04/28/episode-10-unexpected-flight-home/#respondThu, 27 Apr 2017 22:23:49 +0000http://australianadventure.net/?p=771Our flying Australian Adventure takes a detour as we make an unplanned 3.5-hour flight home in our Vans RV7. But after a few things didn’t quite go to plan, and we encounter a few delays along the way, we were unsure if we were going to make it home at all! If you enjoyed this episode please like and subscribe. [...]

]]>Our flying Australian Adventure takes a detour as we make an unplanned 3.5-hour flight home in our Vans RV7. But after a few things didn’t quite go to plan, and we encounter a few delays along the way, we were unsure if we were going to make it home at all!

If you enjoyed this episode please like and subscribe. Thanks for watching!

Flight Vlog – Unexpected Flight Home

]]>http://australianadventure.net/blog/2017/04/28/episode-10-unexpected-flight-home/feed/0Episode 9: MAYDAY MAYDAY Bird Strike!http://australianadventure.net/blog/2017/03/12/episode-9-mayday-mayday-bird-strike/
http://australianadventure.net/blog/2017/03/12/episode-9-mayday-mayday-bird-strike/#respondSun, 12 Mar 2017 01:46:58 +0000http://australianadventure.net/?p=761The chilling words MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY Bird Strike, are words we hope to never hear again! In this episode, we have stop-off at the gorgeous lakeside town of Meningie, after taking a look around town we make an eventful flight between Meningie and Pinnaroo. We hope you enjoy Episode 9! Flight Vlog – MAYDAY MAYDAY Bird Strike

Flight Vlog – MAYDAY MAYDAY Bird Strike

]]>http://australianadventure.net/blog/2017/03/12/episode-9-mayday-mayday-bird-strike/feed/0Episode 8: Kangaroo Island in 24 hourshttp://australianadventure.net/blog/2017/03/12/episode-8-kangaroo-island-24-hours/
http://australianadventure.net/blog/2017/03/12/episode-8-kangaroo-island-24-hours/#respondSun, 12 Mar 2017 01:34:31 +0000http://australianadventure.net/?p=758Did someone mention island? It turns out Kangaroo Island does not have tropical palm tree’s and coconuts, but it does have plenty of nice beaches (if you like cold water) and lots of native Australian wildlife. Join us as we explore Kangaroo Island! We hope you enjoy Episode 8! Flight Vlog – Kangaroo Island in 24 hours

]]>Did someone mention island? It turns out Kangaroo Island does not have tropical palm tree’s and coconuts, but it does have plenty of nice beaches (if you like cold water) and lots of native Australian wildlife.

Join us as we explore Kangaroo Island!

We hope you enjoy Episode 8!

Flight Vlog – Kangaroo Island in 24 hours

]]>http://australianadventure.net/blog/2017/03/12/episode-8-kangaroo-island-24-hours/feed/0Episode 7: The Ultimate Fly-in Destinationhttp://australianadventure.net/blog/2017/01/07/episode-7-ultimate-fly-destination/
http://australianadventure.net/blog/2017/01/07/episode-7-ultimate-fly-destination/#respondSat, 07 Jan 2017 11:24:27 +0000http://australianadventure.net/?p=745We are on the hunt for the ultimate Fly-in destination! There are lots of awesome places to fly and stay, but we never considered it possible to fly-in to a Murry River Houseboat. There is plenty to do and see on this historically significant river. It’s a quintessential Australian experience that should be on every traveler’s bucket list. In this [...]

Flight Vlog – The Ultimate Fly-in Destination

]]>http://australianadventure.net/blog/2017/01/07/episode-7-ultimate-fly-destination/feed/0Adelaidehttp://australianadventure.net/blog/2016/11/17/adelaide/
http://australianadventure.net/blog/2016/11/17/adelaide/#respondThu, 17 Nov 2016 10:51:57 +0000http://australianadventure.net/?p=692The city of Adelaide is tucked away in a less populated part of the country, on the scenic coastline of South Australia. Cities are not usually at the top of our list of places to visit. After a few days in Adelaide, we were impressed with what it offered. It’s rich history, beautiful architecture, stunning parklands and coastline were enough to get our [...]

The city of Adelaide is tucked away in a less populated part of the country, on the scenic coastline of South Australia.

Cities are not usually at the top of our list of places to visit. After a few days in Adelaide, we were impressed with what it offered. It’s rich history, beautiful architecture, stunning parklands and coastline were enough to get our tick of approval, topped off with great food and a modern, trendy vibe – we definitely can recommend spending some time in Adelaide.

The best way to get around Adelaide is with a Folding bike and public transport. The bike tracks are excellent, and show a side of the city we would not have seen by car. Adelaide Metro offer a 3-day Visitors Travel Pass, which will give you unlimited travel on all buses, trains, and trams.

Make sure you don’t miss a visit to Mt Lofty, the view will not disappoint.

Things to do in Adelaide

There are heaps of things to do and see in Adelaide. Below are some of the things we can recommend.

Port Adelaide

The Port played an important role in the formative years of Adelaide and South Australia. Many of its impressive 19th-century buildings have been preserved, and the town’s rich history can be experienced through a historical walk or a visit to the many different museums on offer. From the docks, you can take a boat cruise or a kayak with the local dolphins.

South Australian Aviation Museum

Covering all things aviation, including vintage, military, commercial, recreational, sports and everything in between. They are continually expanding and growing their impressive collection. A highlight for us was seeing Jon Johanson’s homebuilt RV-4, which he flew around the world several times and set more than 50 world records.

Where: 66 Lipson Street, Port AdelaideTips: Make sure you take the guided tour through their workshop to see some of the interesting projects they are restoring.More Info:http://www.saam.org.au

Glenelg

A short distance from the city is the beach side suburb of Glenelg. The bustling shops, top-notch restaurants, and sandy white beaches make it a hot spot for locals and tourists. It was our favorite spot to go for dinner, and sit and watch the sunset over the ocean. If you’re feeling energetic the cycle way along the coastline is a nice way to spend an afternoon.

Cycling

The many bike tracks around Adelaide were impressive. Free bike hire is available throughout the city and it’s a great way to get around. We think folding bikes are the best way to see the city as you can take them on all buses, trams, and trains. Normal bikes can only go on the trains. Our favourite spot to ride was along the coast between Seacliff and Semaphore.

Adelaide Botanical Gardens

Located right in the heart of the city is 50 hectares of beautifully maintained gardens filled with plants from all over Australia and around the world. After a walk around the entire park, we spent an afternoon relaxing with a picnic lunch in one of the many shady grassed areas.

Mt Lofty

A friend recommended we visit the lookout at Mt Lofty. The view from the top is AMAZING! We would have liked to have more time to do some of the walks that start from the summit. You can follow some of the many tracks all the way back down to the city. For the thrill seeker, there are companies that can take you on a guided mountain bike ride from the summit back to Adelaide.

Haigh’s Chocolate Factory

Adelaide is the home of the famous Haigh’s Chocolate, Australia’s oldest producer of premium chocolate. We ran out of time to visit the factory, it is at the top of our list of things to do next time. They offer a free tour of their factory where you can learn how their famous chocolate is made.

Adelaide Central Markets

The Central Markets are Adelaide’s hub of food and culture, showcasing the very best produce from growers and local artisans from across the state. This is one place you don’t want to miss. They are open from Tuesday to Saturday.

Handorf

Set in the Adelaide Hills, the picturesque Hahndorf Village is Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement. The strong German flavour is evident in the boutique shops and cafés. The Village is only a 25-minute drive from Adelaide and makes a great day trip destination.

This information should only be used as a guide. This information is accurate at the time of post and is subject to change, and may contain errors. Please always use official documentation for planning your flight.

Their are 2 airports in Adelaide; Adelaide Airport which is used by the commercial airlines, and Parafield Airport which is predominately used for training and GA operations. We chose to use Parafield Airport, which is a complex metropolitan Class D airport and provides close access to the train network.

Landing Fee's

Facilities

Transport

Various car hire companies are available in Adelaide. The Parafield train station is located next to the Airfield, and is connected to the airfield by a footpath.

Operator

Adelaide Airport Limited. Permission is not required to land.

There is no shortage of accommodation options available.

We camped at the Semaphore Beachfront Discovery Holiday Park. It offers well-equipped facilities and was only a few minutes ride from the nearest train station. Being a city there is limited camping option available. This venue had everything we needed.

The food options available in Adelaide are endless. This city is a foodies paradise and takes pride in using the freshest locally grown produce.

The stand-out venues for us were Vego & Lovin It, Good Life Pizza and the Adelaide Central Markets.

Vego & Lovin It
You’ve never had a Veggie Burger until you’ve had a Vego & Lovin it Veggie Burger. Listed as one of the top 10 Burgers in Australia, their burgers come served on a fresh artisan Rye bread roll, jam-packed with the tastiest fresh local ingredients.Where: 240 Rundle Street, Adelaide

Good Life Pizza
Made using organic fresh seasonal produce – their pizza’s are AMAZING! With a jam-packed restaurant, they offered exceptional customer service. They run that restaurant like an extremely well-oiled machine. If you plan to eat here you might want to book a table as it’s super popular.Where: 42 Jetty Rd, Glenelg

Have you visited Adelaide?
Let us know what things you enjoy doing in Adelaide.

]]>http://australianadventure.net/blog/2016/11/17/adelaide/feed/0Adelaide’s Unlimited Travel Passhttp://australianadventure.net/blog/2016/11/15/adelaides-unlimited-travel-pass/
http://australianadventure.net/blog/2016/11/15/adelaides-unlimited-travel-pass/#respondTue, 15 Nov 2016 12:10:45 +0000http://australianadventure.net/?p=684The Adelaide Metro 3 Day Unlimited Visitors Pass is the best way to get around the city. It gives you unlimited travel on all buses trains and trams. At $26 it is the best value for money when compared with Taxi’s, car hire, or paying the regular train fare. The transport network has the city covered; it also stretches to the very [...]

]]>The Adelaide Metro 3 Day Unlimited Visitors Pass is the best way to get around the city. It gives you unlimited travel on all buses trains and trams. At $26 it is the best value for money when compared with Taxi’s, car hire, or paying the regular train fare.

The transport network has the city covered; it also stretches to the very outer suburbs, as far as Gawler, Aldinga Beach, Mt Lofty, Hahndorf and beyond.

Don’t turn up expecting to buy the Visitors Pass from any train station or ticket booth, they are only available from the transport office at Central Station and WHSmith Express in the arrivals area at Adelaide’s main airport. They are also available from a few other locations around Adelaide. If you arrive at Parrafield you would need to catch the train to Adelaide City to buy a pass.

Useful Tips

Folding bikes are allowed on buses, trains, and trams. If you take them on the tram they might ask you to enclose it in a bag We didn’t have our bikes in a bag and it didn’t cause us any problems with traveling on trams.

The 3 days pass does not necessarily equal 72 hours. For example, we arrived Thursday evening, got our tickets and took 1 train on Thursday evening. We were departing first thing Sunday morning, which was only 63 hours later, but because we took the train on Thursday evening it deducted a full day off our pass, so on Sunday morning we had to buy another ticket to get back to the airport.

You can re-charge your card with regular metroCARD fare credit if you are in Adelaide for more than 3 days.

]]>http://australianadventure.net/blog/2016/11/15/adelaides-unlimited-travel-pass/feed/0Clare Valleyhttp://australianadventure.net/blog/2016/10/22/clare-valley/
http://australianadventure.net/blog/2016/10/22/clare-valley/#respondSat, 22 Oct 2016 12:39:27 +0000http://australianadventure.net/?p=645The popular little villages that make up the Clare Valley are best known for their abundance of Wineries and picturesque countryside. Located a little further from Adelaide than the Barossa, the Clare Valley is just as significant for its wine production but has flown a little under the radar when compared to its counterpart, the Barossa Valley. Steeped in Australian [...]

The popular little villages that make up the Clare Valley are best known for their abundance of Wineries and picturesque countryside. Located a little further from Adelaide than the Barossa, the Clare Valley is just as significant for its wine production but has flown a little under the radar when compared to its counterpart, the Barossa Valley.

Steeped in Australian history, the compact collection of villages each have their own story, from the town of Seven Hill, which was established by the Jesuits to provide wine for religious purposes, to the town of Penwortham which was home to the region’s earliest settler, John Horrocks, who explored the region by camel.

We were drawn to make a stop in Clare, to ride the famous Reisling Trail. We thought this was probably the best way to take in the beautiful countryside, as it winds through the ever changing vineyards, farms, natural bush lands and historical villages.

Things to do in the Clare Valley

The list of things to do and see in the Clare Valley is endless, and the Clare Valley tourism information has it well covered http://www.clarevalley.com.au. Below are some of the things we can recommend.

Riesling Trail

The trail provides an ever changing view of the scenic countryside, and historical villages. The total length of the trail from Barinia to Auburn is 33km’s, passing through 7 towns, which are between 4 and 8 kilometers apart. The smooth gravel surface with a gentle gradient makes it a nice ride for all ages and abilities. There are picnic area’s, toilets and places to refill your drink bottle along the trail. Riding part of the trail will give you a pretty good taste of what you experience riding the full length.

Where: Between Barinia and Auburn. If riding part of the trail we recommend Clare to Pentwortham.Tip: You have to leave the trail to ride through the towns, shops, and most attractions, there are not really shops or cafes on the trail itself. Bike hire is available from Clare. There is no public transport between the villages, you have to ride back to where you started.Info:http://rieslingtrail.com.auMap: Download Trail Map Here

Clare Valley Tours

See the Clare Valley with local tour guide, Mr. Wilson, offering a range of tours and airport pickups.

This information should only be used as a guide. This information is accurate at the time of post and is subject to change, and may contain errors. Please always use official documentation for planning your flight.

The Clare Valley Aerodrome was recently built by the local community, to promote aviation activities to the region. They have a hospitable flying club and are conveniently located on the outskirts of Clare.

Airstrip

17/35 Compacted Clay 1200m long. Dry weather strip.

Fuel

No Fuel Available.

Landing Fee's

No Landing Fee’s Apply

Facilities

There is a club building with access to toilets.

Transport

Taxi (08) 8842 1400
Clare Valley Tours 0418 832 812
The airfield is located 14 km’s from the town of Clare.

]]>http://australianadventure.net/blog/2016/10/22/clare-valley/feed/0Making Aviation History: Jon Johanson and his RV4http://australianadventure.net/blog/2016/10/20/making-aviation-history-jon-johanson-and-his-rv4/
http://australianadventure.net/blog/2016/10/20/making-aviation-history-jon-johanson-and-his-rv4/#respondThu, 20 Oct 2016 11:13:42 +0000http://australianadventure.net/?p=663A nurse-midwife from Adelaide is probably not the likely candidt for a world record setting aviator… but when you combine ambition, determination and a dream, anything is possible. Meet Jon Johanson, who has been named Adventurer of the Year (2004) and awarded an FAI Gold Air Medal. “Dare to dream, and never give up” Jon Johanson About Jon Johanson Jon [...]

]]>A nurse-midwife from Adelaide is probably not the likely candidt for a world record setting aviator… but when you combine ambition, determination and a dream, anything is possible.

Meet Jon Johanson, who has been named Adventurer of the Year (2004) and awarded an FAI Gold Air Medal.

“Dare to dream, and never give up” Jon Johanson

About Jon Johanson

Jon was pretty bad at school and was considered too ‘thick’ to amount to anything. He went on to become a carpenters apprentice as it was all he was ‘good enough’ for. It was during this time he became interested in flying.

Jon did some carpentry work at the local aero club. Two weeks later he returned for his first flying lesson, costing him $25 per hour. He was making $27 a week which afforded him a lesson every second or third week.

Construction work began drying up and he was finding it difficult to stay employed. He decided to pursue a career in nursing. While working as a nurse, he later continued his flight training, completing his ATPL. This led to a job in a Partenavia, based out of Darwin, flying out of remote strips all over Northern Australia. It was here that he met someone building a Vans RV-4.

He dreamed of having his own plane, neither nursing or flying paid enough for him to afford this dream. Building a plane was the solution! He was impressed by the RV-4 as it was rugged, simple, and fast. Not knowing anything about metal or plane building, he talked himself out of the idea.

With a little encouragement from his new builder friend, and an offer to use his workshop and tools, Jon scrapped together $1000 and ordered the parts to start building his very own Vans RV-4.

Now working an average of 80 hours per week as a midwife and pilot to pay for his new project, Jon spent every remaining minute on his RV-4, completing the project in 2.5 years.

Jon flew it at every chance he got. After flying across Australia, it sparked a question in his mind, “just how far could it go?” If it could take him across the hugeness of the Australian Outback, maybe with a few modifications, he could fly half way around to world to the largest airshow at Oshkosh. If it could take him half way around the world, why couldn’t it take him the full way around?

After much research plans were underway to modify his RV-4 for a trip around the world. This had not been done in this type of aircraft before.

Customising the RV-4

Some of the major modifications made to complete his record breaking trips include:

• Converting the wing tips to fuel tanks
• Header fuel tank added between the instruments and firewall
• Ferry tank installed to the back seat in the cabin.
• Magneto’s replaced with electronic ignition
• Specially designed seat to fit Jon’s body

With the modifications complete, the plane could stay airborn for more than 18 hours at an economy cruise speed of 140 knots. This was sufficient to make the longest legs with a headwind and still have sufficient fuel reserves.

Jon Johanson’s Major Achievements

Jon’s major achievements included:
1995 Around the world – East
1996 Around the World – West
2004 Flight to the South Pole
Flight to the North Pole